February 15, 2023 - 451 views
A popular North Wales pantomime in the Conwy Valley has raised almost £20,000 for Ty Gobaith and Hope House.
The Betws-y-Coed Pantomime Group have been putting on their annual festive performances for eight years now at the village’s Memorial Hall, and it’s always a sell-out.
Marian Owen who speaks for the Group said: “We first came up with the idea around nine years ago following a conversation after a pilates class which turned to how we could support Tŷ Gobaith, our local children’s hospice.
“With my background in community arts, I was able to help pull together a cast of willing volunteers and the following Christmas we performed to a packed hall, with some people even bringing their own chairs as it was so full.
“We raised £1,000 that night and thought we have to do it again.”
Having performed many of the classics, the 2022 production was Dick Wittington, and with a little help from their own hidden hero in the community, have raised a grand total of £19,847 over the years.
Referred to by Marian as their ‘White Knight’, an anonymous donor who match-funds whatever the panto raises, they have been able to also purchase more elaborate costumes and props.
Marian said: “We’ve never questioned our support for Tŷ Gobaith, they have always been wonderful to us. It's a charity that’s close to people’s hearts.”
